Ancient History

The Ancient History program at Dartmouth College offers students a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Mediterranean world, spanning from the earliest civilizations to the fall of the Roman Empire. This interdisciplinary major combines rigorous coursework in history, archaeology, art history, and languages, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of the cultural, political, and social developments that shaped the foundations of Western civilization. Throughout the program, students engage in critical analysis of primary sources, learn to interpret ancient artifacts, and contextualize historical events within broader regional and global frameworks. The curriculum emphasizes the study of key civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Near Eastern societies, providing a diverse perspective on the interconnectedness of ancient cultures. Students have the opportunity to acquire proficiency in ancient languages such as Latin and Ancient Greek, enhancing their ability to analyze original texts. The program also offers collaborative research projects, internships, and study abroad experiences, particularly through programs in Greece, Italy, and Egypt, to immerse students in the archaeological and historical environments they study. Faculty members are leading scholars in their fields, guiding students through innovative approaches to understanding the ancient past. Graduates of the Ancient History program are well-prepared for careers in academia, museums, cultural heritage management, education, journalism, and other fields that value critical thinking, research skills, and a nuanced understanding of ancient civilizations. With a flexible structure tailored to individual interests, the program encourages students to pursue advanced degrees or careers that require a solid foundation in ancient history and related disciplines. Overall, Dartmouth’s Ancient History program offers a rigorous yet enriching academic experience that fosters intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the origins of human civilization.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR IN ANCIENT HISTORY

1. Prerequisite: Greek 10 (Readings in Greek Prose and Poetry) or Latin 10 (Readings in Latin Prose and Poetry), or equivalent.
2. Classical Studies 14 (Greek History: Archaic and Classical Greece) and 17 (Roman History: The Republic).
3. Three additional courses selected from: Classical Studies 11 (Sport and Democratization), 15 (Alexander the Great and the Macedonean Kings), 18 (History of the Roman Empire: Roman Principate to Christian Empire), 29 (Independent Study Project if written on an historical topic), and 31 (Ancient Literature and History: Study Abroad).
4. Classical Studies 19 (Methods and Theory in Ancient History).
5. Two Greek or Latin courses numbered 20 or higher (GRK 21Homer, GRK 22 The Lyric Age of Greece, GRK 24 Theatre, GRK 26 Intellectual Enquiry in Classical Athens, GRK 28 Philosophy, GRK 29 New Testament, GRK 30.03 Studies in Greek and Latin Literature, GRK 85 Independent Reading and Research, GRK 87 Thesis. LAT 20 Vergil, LAT 22 Literature of the Republic, LAT 24 The Augustan Age, LAT 26 Literature of the Early Empire, LAT 28 Literature of the Later Empire and the Middle Ages, LAT 30.02 Studies in Greek and Latin Literature, LAT 85 Independent Reading and Research, LAT 87 Thesis)
6. Two additional courses selected from:
   • Classical Studies 11, 15, 18, 29 (if written on an historical topic), and 31.
   • Classical Studies 6 (Introduction to Classical Archaeology), 20-26 (Greek Prehistoric Archaeology: The Emergence of Civilization in the Aegean, From Disaster to Triumph: Greek Archaeology from the Destruction of Mycenae to the Persian Wars, Greek Classical Archaeology: City-States and Panhellenic Sanctuaries, Etruscan and Early Roman Archaeology: The Rise of Rome, Early Roman Imperial Archaeology: The First Emperors, Later Roman Imperial Archaeology: The Golden Age and Beyond, Independent Study Project).
   • Courses in Greek or Latin numbered 20 or higher.
   • Classical Studies 3 (Reason and the Good Life: Socrates to Epictetus) and Classical Studies 12.
7. Completion of Culminating Experience Requirement.
   One related course from outside the Classics Department may, with depart­mental approval, serve in partial satisfaction of this requirement (for example, a thematically appropriate offering of History 95).

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR IN ANCIENT HISTORY

1. Four courses in ancient history selected from Classical Studies 11, 14, 15, 17-19.
2. Two courses in Classical archaeology selected from Classical Studies 6, 20-26.
3. One additional course selected from:
   • Ancient History (Classical Studies 11, 14, 15, 17-19).
   • Ancient Archaeology (Classical Studies 6, 20-26).
   • Courses in Greek and Latin num­bered 10 or higher (excluding Greek 11).
   • Classical Studies 2-5 or Classical Studies 12.

Participation in either of the Classics Department’s Foreign Study Programs will meet the requirements for two of the above seven courses, one in archaeology and one in ancient history (Classical Studies 30 and 31, respectively).

1.       SAT Reasoning or ACT (with Writing);

2.       2 SAT Subject Test Scores;

3.       The common application essay;

4.       Within the Common Application, Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write a brief response to one of the following supplemental essay prompts. Candidates choose one topic and respond;

5.       A counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. In addition, a peer recommendation is strongly encouraged;

6.       Resume;

7.       Brief abstract of an independent research project;

8.       IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum scores)

Dartmouth Scholarships are need-based and are given without expectation of repayment. Amounts range from $1,000 to over $50,000, depending on our determination of your eligibility. Some Dartmouth students will be selected as recipients of one or more of our over 750 endowed scholarship funds. These awards are not additional money, but indicate that the aid already awarded will come from a specific endowed fund. No separate application is required. Students who receive scholarships from external sources can use these funds to reduce the loan and/or job portions of their financial aid packages. Veteran's benefits are included as a resource in the determination of eligibility for Dartmouth scholarship awards. Dartmouth College currently participates at 100% in the Yellow Ribbon Program which supplements GI Bill benefits. For U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only form required to apply for Federal Financial Aid. The federal government provides Pell Grants to students who qualify on the basis of financial need as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded by the College to the most needy students. They vary in amount but do not exceed $4,000 a year. When you apply for financial aid, your parents' country of residence will determine which documents you need to submit. Parents living outside U.S. and Canada should provide income/benefits statement from employer.

The Dartmouth College Department of Classics offers a comprehensive Ancient History program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the history, culture, and societies of the ancient Mediterranean world. The curriculum emphasizes the study of ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, integrating historical texts, archaeological findings, and cultural studies to give students a multidisciplinary perspective. Students have the opportunity to explore topics including political systems, social structures, religious beliefs, art, and everyday life in antiquity. The program encourages close reading of primary sources, critical analysis, and active participation in research projects and seminars. Dartmouth's faculty are renowned scholars in the field, offering mentorship and personalized guidance throughout students’ academic journeys. The program also provides access to excellent library resources, archaeological excavations, and language courses in Latin and Ancient Greek both at Dartmouth and through study abroad programs. Graduates of the Ancient History major often pursue careers in academia, museum curation, education, archaeology, or related fields. The department promotes a vigorous intellectual community where students are encouraged to develop strong analytical, writing, and research skills, preparing them for advanced study or professional paths. The program's flexibility allows students to tailor their coursework to specific interests within ancient history and to gain a broad understanding of the ancient world’s impact on modern society.